K Line gets ClassNK OK for LNG-powered bulker designs

Japan’s shipping firm K Line has received basic design approvals from compatriot classification society ClassNK for two LNG and battery-powered bulk carriers.

The approvals in principle are for a 200,000 ton capesize bulk carrier and 90,000 ton post-Panamax bulk carrier, according to a statement by K Line issued last week.

K Line said it has developed the capesize vessel with Namura Shipbuilding and Taiyo Electric, while the firm joined forces with Shin Kurushima Sanoyas Shipbuilding and Taiyo Electric for the smaller design.

By using LNG as fuel, the vessel would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent to 30 percent compared to the use of conventional heavy fuel oil, K Line said.

K Line gets ClassNK OK for LNG-powered bulker designs
Image: K Line

On top of that, the design adopts permanent magnet shaft generator technology, along with lithium-ion batteries.

These additions would contribute to emission reductions of about 2.5 percent to 3 percent compared to an LNG-powered vessel without those two technologies, K Line said.

Also, PM shaft generators improve efficiency by about 10 percent compared to conventional shaft generators, it said.

By utilizing batteries as part of the platform for power supply on board, the aim is to further reduce emissions going forward by later adding green energy sources with energy-saving technology, the firm said.

Worth mentioning here, K Line, along with NYK Line and MOL, has last year signed a charter deal with Japanese steel manufacturer JFE Steel for three LNG-powered bulk carriers.

Japan Marine United and Imabari Shipbuilding will build the LNG-powered vessels and deliver them from the beginning of 2024.

Most Popular

Canada’s Cedar LNG names FLNG

Canada’s Cedar LNG, a joint venture of Canada’s Pembina Pipeline and the Haisla Nation, has picked a name for its floating LNG facility, which will be located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, on Canada’s West Coast.

NextDecade, Jera seal 20-year LNG SPA

Japan's Jera has signed a 20-year deal to buy liquefied natural gas from the planned fifth train at NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG facility in Texas.

Sempra gets non-FTA approval for Port Arthur LNG expansion

Sempra Infrastructure, a unit of Sempra, has received non-FTA approval from the US Department of Energy for the second phase of its Port Arthur LNG export project in Texas.

More News Like This

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua delivers its 50th LNG carrier

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua has delivered its 50th liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

ONE plans LNG-powered containership order

Ocean Network Express (ONE), a joint venture of Japan's NYK, MOL, and K Line is eyeing an order for LNG dual-fuel container vessels, according to shipbuilding sources.

QatarEnergy LNG carrier named in China

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua hosted a naming ceremony for one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program.

Titan, K Line complete first LNG bunkering op under new term contract

Dutch LNG supplier Titan and Japan’s shipping giant K Line have completed the first LNG bunkering operation for K Line’s car carrier under a new contract.